Enjoy a visit to Marwell Zoo, a great day out for all the family

A Great Day Out for all the Family

Marwell Zoo, near Winchester

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

2026 is packed with exciting moments. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary with a fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and seafronts  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore. In Winchester one of the year’s most anticipated highlights is the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a spectacular new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors with inspiring new displays, making it a must‑visit for culture‑seekers. Whilst at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk brings vibrant mid‑ to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 149

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Royal Isle of Wight County Show

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Northwood

    Historic county show on the Isle of Wight Get ready for a field full of fun at The Royal Isle of Wight County Show. It’s 37 acres of entertainment – from adorable animals to exciting events and hands-on activities. 

    Since 1833 the show has…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Various Opening Times
  2. Isle of Wight Walking Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Islandwide

    Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2026to17 May 2026
    From:
    3 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  3. East Tunnel Tours at Fort Nelson

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Fareham

    This massive Victorian fort still holds many secrets, come and explore its hidden depths with our expert guides and take the opportunity to see Fort Nelson from a different angle.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2026
  4. Curious About Winchester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Close, Winchester

    Have fun (re-)discovering Winchester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this historic city. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  5. Steam to the Solent with Jim Splice and The Main Brace

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment from ‘Jim Splice and The Main Brace’, a four piece band playing songs of the sea. Included in their play list will be some popular songs, including our own ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  6. Meet the Conservation team onboard Victory Live: The Big Repair

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Portsmouth

    This event is a great opportunity to meet members of the conservation team who are working on Victory Live: The Big Repair project.

    During these informal hourly sessions, you will be able to learn more about their roles and how it benefits this…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    17 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    18 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    19 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    20 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  7. Sandown Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Sandown

    Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!  

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Family entertainment There will be a…

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026
  8. Painting party with The Paint Club at Brew Dog Southampton

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Feb 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    26 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  9. Simply Italian

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    Simply Italian, sponsored by Hendy Fiat, will return on Sunday 27 September 2026.

    All Italian car owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. Steamship Shieldhall Eastern Solent Cruise

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size,…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 11:00 - 18:00
  11. Victorious Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Portsmouth

    Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 23:00
  12. Simply French

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.

    Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. Curious About Portsmouth

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Hard, Portsmouth

    Have fun (re-)discovering Portsmouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out about this fascinating port. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  14. iRed's Robot Dog Explorer Show at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Portsmouth

    Get ready to see the world in a whole new way, as iRed lights up Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with thermal magic and four-legged robot moves!

    See amazing heat cameras reveal hidden warmth all around you, and watch a cool four-legged robot move and…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
    From:
    17 Feb 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  15. The Paint Club painting party at St. Leonard's Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    St Leonards, Ringwood

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    7 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    2 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    7 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  16. Parrot Play & Ball Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Farnham

    Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026
  17. Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Portsmouth

    SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026to26 July 2026
  18. ABP Southampton Marathon Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Southampton

    Join us for the 11th Anniversary of the ABP Southampton Marathon, Half, 10K, 5K and Fun Run! Taking place on Sunday 3rd May 2026 - run with friends, with your club or for a charity. The route takes you round parks, seas and city. Sign up now and…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026
  19. Mother's Day Paddle to the Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Beaulieu, Brockenhurst

    Treat Mum to the Mother of all gifts this Mother's Day; a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. You'll enjoy a gentle guided tour through the idyllic Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Mar 2026
  20. Yarmouth Carnival Week

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Yarmouth

    Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!

    Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to22 Aug 2026